Research Associate, Food, Nature and Climate (flexible location)

European Climate Foundation Bruxelles Belgium Corporate Communications
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Company Description

The European Climate Foundation (ECF) was founded in 2008 as a major philanthropic initiative to help tackle climate change by fostering the development of a low-carbon society at the national, European and global level.

We support over 500 partner organisations to carry out activities that contribute to the public debate on climate action, drive urgent and ambitious policy in support of the objectives of the Paris Agreement and help deliver a socially responsible transition to a net-zero emissions economy and sustainable society in Europe and around the world.

The ECF brings together diverse perspectives and backgrounds to find the best innovative solutions to tackle climate change. We are focusing on engaging and hiring great people from a wide diversity of backgrounds to strengthen the cause. If you share our values of respect, innovation and collaboration, join us.

The ECF’s strategic communications team plays an active role in helping create more political, media and public endorsement for action on climate change at an international, national and sectoral level. Team members deliver strategic advice, communications and outreach support to ECF’s programmes and its grantees, and work as part of an international network of communications experts to enhance the public debate on climate change and its solutions more broadly.

Position

We are recruiting for a Research Associate: Food, Nature and Climate. This research role will focus on using research and analysis in climate, nature and food systems science to inform and advance compelling communication frames to accelerate climate action on Food systems and Nature. You will work collaboratively in a global network of communications experts and partners, providing the necessary scientific evidence, for key audiences such as investors, campaigners and journalists. This position will report to the Senior Research Analyst: Climate Policy and Science.

This is a research role embedded in a strategic communications network. A core skill set of the role will be the ability to translate complex scientific data and findings on climate, food and nature into succinct, impactful briefings and communications products. You will work as part of a small research team in a production-focused environment. In a typical week, you might work on several different briefings and background research tasks for colleagues, journalistic contacts, spokespeople or partners at other organisations. The emphasis is on short, journalistic analysis and briefings.

You'll need to have an excellent awareness of current issues in climate, food and nature and a strong working knowledge of the latest climate and land science.

This role would suit someone with a background as a specialist journalist covering climate, food systems and environment, a scientist with a campaigning or policy-oriented organisation, or a research consultant. We are looking for people who are adept at handling complex material and insights to drive and deliver communications impact, and working generously with colleagues from a wide range of disciplines. A proven record of strategically leveraging scientific findings for a positive impact will be helpful.

Key responsibilities

The Research Associate - Climate, Food and Nature will be responsible for:

  • Co-developing research-led strategic communications products in the climate, food and nature space.

  • Producing clear and concise briefings on a range of topics across the science of land-use, nature, climate science and food systems. Contributing to the in-house knowledge across other disciplines such as energy transition, net zero and climate finance.

Requirements

  • Proven experience in a science based research role that is relevant to advocacy or communications work.

  • A track record of delivering research products with an impactful outcome within strict time constraints.

  • A network of research contacts in the climate science and policy/academic space.

  • Fluency in English, both written and spoken.

  • Strong written and in-person communication skills.

  • The drive to be self-directed and work nimbly and generously over phone/video conferencing, time zones, etc.

  • A commitment to an inclusive and empowering approach to tackle climate change.

Other information

What we offer

  • The unique opportunity to work as part of a highly dynamic, small group of individuals who combine their passion to make a difference with a rigorous and results-oriented approach to work.

  • The chance to research across a broad range of climate and energy issues, and to create impactful research products used in different countries.

  • A flexible work environment and a space to develop and challenge yourself.

  • A full-time position with a consultant or employment contract (subject to location) for 12 months, with a possible renewal after one year.

Location

Our team is based in European and Asia Pacific time zones. The ability to work across international time zones with a reliable internet connection is a must. We may be able to provide co-working spaces in some locations.

You must have the right to work in your location.

Start date

As soon as possible

How to apply

Please upload your CV (maximum 2 pages) and a short cover letter, detailing your motivation for the position.

All applications will be treated confidentially. We will store your information in our internal database unless you specifically request otherwise.

We are committed to diversity and inclusion in our organisation. We strongly encourage candidates from historically disadvantaged or marginalised groups to apply.